The continued strong demand for laminate flooring prompted the European manufacturers to expand their production at the existing units, but also on the steadily growing US market. One thing is sure: in the private housebuilding sector from Central Europe, the saturation point seems to be reached. A new potential will arise in exports, in the construction of commercial and office buildings. Therefore, improvements in the acoustic domain still have to be made.
Unilin/Quick-Step
After the past year's investments in new machinery and in a logistics center at its headquarters in Wielsbeke (Belgium), 2005 will mark Unilin's expansion in the US. The second factory will start production in May 2005, thus raising the entire capacity to 50 million m2. Unilin registered its patent for clic-profile in Canada in November 2004. In the US, Unilin obtained patents for four systems. Quick-Step compares the current US laminate flooring market to the European market from the middle of the '90s.
Balterio
The second biggest Belgian manufacturer is also on expansion course. After a second factory in the south of Belgium became operational in March 2004, Balterio plans to increase capacity to 30 million m2/year by investing another 20-25 million euro.
Classen/Wiparquet
In the early summer of 2004, Classen announced its plan for opening a second laminate flooring factory located in Baruth/Brandenburg. The factory will start production in June this year. The total output capacity will double once the new factory starts operating. Heinz Dieter Gras, marketing director at Classen, says there is still a great potential for laminate flooring especially in South-East Europe.
Kronotex
Judging by the company data, Kronotex is a traditional company. Production increased from around 50 million m2/year after a new facility opened in Heiligengrabe/Brandenburg. Kronotex has optimized its logistics with the construction of an automatic warehouse. Since the beginning of the year, production of laminate flooring has started at Kronotex USA, Barnwell, South Carolina.
Egger
Egger is looking for a second greenfield project on the East European market. The company did not decide yet which products will be manufactured - particleboards, MDF or OSB. In the financial year 2004/2005, the company has reached a market share of 12% in the field of laminate flooring in Europe. Egger has a production capacity of 45 million m2 with its seven production lines in St. Johann i. T., Brilon and Wismar. The enterprise is expecting a total turnover of 1,7 billion euro (1,6 billion euro in 2003/2004) for the current financial year.
Meister-Leisten
The company is testing a new finish for special floorings. Meister-Leisten had a turnover of 168 million euro (+ 11%) last year. Flooring represents 70% of the turnover. The general manager Ludger Schindler sees difficulties on the US market related to the dollar exchange rate. Kaindl Besides the thermoelectric biomass plant that will provide energy for the factory in Salzburg and 3,000 households starting with 2006, the company does not plan any other investments this year. In the financial year 2003/2004, Kaindl invested 21 million euro and achieved a total turnover of 359 million euro. The manufacturing of laminate flooring generated revenues of around 50 million euro. Witex The outlook seems positive for Witex. Witex International Flooring, the successor of Witex AG, appears to have reached its targets in 2004. Investments are currently frozen due to the insolvency proceedings launched in May 2003.
Unilin/Quick-Step
After the past year's investments in new machinery and in a logistics center at its headquarters in Wielsbeke (Belgium), 2005 will mark Unilin's expansion in the US. The second factory will start production in May 2005, thus raising the entire capacity to 50 million m2. Unilin registered its patent for clic-profile in Canada in November 2004. In the US, Unilin obtained patents for four systems. Quick-Step compares the current US laminate flooring market to the European market from the middle of the '90s.
Balterio
The second biggest Belgian manufacturer is also on expansion course. After a second factory in the south of Belgium became operational in March 2004, Balterio plans to increase capacity to 30 million m2/year by investing another 20-25 million euro.
Classen/Wiparquet
In the early summer of 2004, Classen announced its plan for opening a second laminate flooring factory located in Baruth/Brandenburg. The factory will start production in June this year. The total output capacity will double once the new factory starts operating. Heinz Dieter Gras, marketing director at Classen, says there is still a great potential for laminate flooring especially in South-East Europe.
Kronotex
Judging by the company data, Kronotex is a traditional company. Production increased from around 50 million m2/year after a new facility opened in Heiligengrabe/Brandenburg. Kronotex has optimized its logistics with the construction of an automatic warehouse. Since the beginning of the year, production of laminate flooring has started at Kronotex USA, Barnwell, South Carolina.
Egger
Egger is looking for a second greenfield project on the East European market. The company did not decide yet which products will be manufactured - particleboards, MDF or OSB. In the financial year 2004/2005, the company has reached a market share of 12% in the field of laminate flooring in Europe. Egger has a production capacity of 45 million m2 with its seven production lines in St. Johann i. T., Brilon and Wismar. The enterprise is expecting a total turnover of 1,7 billion euro (1,6 billion euro in 2003/2004) for the current financial year.
Meister-Leisten
The company is testing a new finish for special floorings. Meister-Leisten had a turnover of 168 million euro (+ 11%) last year. Flooring represents 70% of the turnover. The general manager Ludger Schindler sees difficulties on the US market related to the dollar exchange rate. Kaindl Besides the thermoelectric biomass plant that will provide energy for the factory in Salzburg and 3,000 households starting with 2006, the company does not plan any other investments this year. In the financial year 2003/2004, Kaindl invested 21 million euro and achieved a total turnover of 359 million euro. The manufacturing of laminate flooring generated revenues of around 50 million euro. Witex The outlook seems positive for Witex. Witex International Flooring, the successor of Witex AG, appears to have reached its targets in 2004. Investments are currently frozen due to the insolvency proceedings launched in May 2003.
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